The cocaine smuggler was released from prison in South America last March and has spent the past six months trying to build her profile.

McCollum, 24, was spotted in Liverpool yesterday as she works on an programme about the city’s drug dealers.

Michaella McCollum (L) and Melissa Reid could both be set for TV appearances (Image: REUTERS/Mariana Bazo)

It was also revealed earlier this month that McCollum, of Dungannon, County Tyrone, and fellow smuggler Melissa Reid, 22, of Lenzie, Dunbartonshire, are in advanced talks to appear on the new pairs-themed series of Big Brother.

Although Reid is believed to be less keen on the limelight, producers are understood to want to sign them for Big Brother as a duo.

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The pair were sentenced to six years and eight months in December 2013 after being caught trying to smuggle £1.5million out of the South American country to Spain.

Drug mule Melissa Reid pictured in Peru (Image: Reuters)

Sources said McCollum has been meeting with potential interviewees for her new TV series which will see her examine unsolved or unusual crime cases.

McCollum flew into Liverpool last week before checking into a boutique hotel where she has been discussing plans for her TV show which will feature interviews with prisoners including death row inmates.

The source said: “There are several international drug dealers from the city and this is going to form a few episodes of the series.”

It’s also claimed she has agreed a “six-figure” deal for the series.

A source said: “It’s a massive opportunity for her and will propel her into the prime time TV spotlight.”